NORTHTALE – Eternal Flame

Power Metal Supreme

For those looking for Power Metal in it’s purest form, look no farther than to the 2nd full-length album by Northtale – Eternal Flame released on Nuclear Blast Records. Northtale was formed by guitarist Bill Hudson (Jon Oliva’s Pain, ex-U.D.O.) when he invited drummer Patrick Johansson (Impellitteri, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) to join ranks, with bassist Mikael Planefeldt and keyboardist Jimmy Pitts rounding out the team. Vocalist Guilherme Hirose (Traumer, ex-Queen Evil) is new to the lineup, replacing Christian Eriksson.

Return To Glory

The goal for NorthTale according to Bill Hudson: “We want to bring back the amazing golden years of power metal. Like in the late 90s, when Stratovarius, Helloween, Hammerfall and all those bands were at their peak! Those bands, alongside Iron Maiden and Judas Priest have been inspiring me to write music my whole life.” With the release of Eternal Flame, they have accomplished their goal, and then some. The album includes 12 tracks of ripping Power Metal with everything you’d expect, plus guest spots by legend Kai Hansen and son, Mary Zimmer of Helion Prime and Jonas Heidgert of Dragonland. The album has a great mix, with all production values hitting top marks. NorthTale also cover the Iron Maiden classic ‘Judas be My Guide”, transforming it seamlessly into Power Metal.

Final Notes

Eternal Flame is a great record that delivers everything they had hoped for when NorthTale was conceived. The musicianship is over-the-top good, while the songs are well written with fantastic use of melodies and powerful choruses. If you’re looking for new music to add to your collection, look no further as this album has it all for Power Metal fans, including a guest spot from the founder of Helloween. NorthTale – Eternal Flame is worth owning, so support the bands you love and buy the album.

Lineup

Mikael Planefeldt – Bass
Patrick Johansson – Drums
Bill Hudson – Guitars
Jimmy Pitts – Keyboards
Guilherme Hirose – Vocals

Guest vocals on “Future Calls” by Kai Hansen.
Guest guitar solo on “Future Calls” by Tim Kanoa Hansen.
Guest vocals on “Judas Be My Guide” by Jonas Heidgert.
Guest vocals on “Nature’s Revenge” by Mary Zimmer.

Eternal Flame – Tracklist

01. Only Human
02. Wings of Salvation
03. Future Calls
04. The Land of Mystic Rites
05. Midnight Bells
06. Eternal Flame
07. In the Name of God
08. Ride the Storm
09. King of Your Illusion
10. Judas Be My Guide (Iron Maiden cover)
11. Nature’s Revenge
12. Ivy (Outro)